M8- travel and safety in Europe

[earleygallery]

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One place you do not want to leave a camera bag unattended is Israel...they will blow it up.

 

A good question for travelers to consider is why they are taking the Leica in the first place? I mean, there are several good reasons (you just like to use the camera, you do travel photography for publication, you need special high-quality low-light equipment for shooting in museums etc.) But for most people, who are just documenting a trip, a really good P&S is lighter, handier, more discreet, and perfectly fine for scrapbook-style shots, and if it does get stolen, you're out a lot less money. Take a little care with white balance and shoot .jpg, and you could probably do the trip with a couple of 1G cards and no mass-storage backup.

 

JC

 

Really, I don't see the point in spending so much on our Leica equipment only to use it for shots of the family in the garden or at Christmas!

 

If you feel uncomfortable carrying an expensive camera (which is insured?) then just buy a cheap camera in the first place.

 

I get some of my best photos when I'm travelling.

[wlaidlaw]

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http://www.camerastophahathief.com/

 

Steve,

 

Someone seems to have stolen that link.

 

Wilson

[johnastovall]

You're fine anywhere I've been in Europe, which is a lot of places. Even Barcelona, which people say is rife with thieves, was fine (but I kept the gear close).

 

The one place I would not walk around with it is Naples - but then I'd be careful there with anything of value.

 

t

 

I'll second to watch out in Naples. I don't know about walking around but a friend who lived there for many years and went back to visit 3 years ago had his complete Contax system stolen when he was boarding a public bus. The last he saw of it was it going down the road on a scooter. He was jousled in the crowd waiting to board, shoulder strap on the bag was cut and it was gone.

[ChrisC]

Carlos - I have done a lot of twilight view-camera work on the streets, and have a strong sense that such work puts a bulls-eye on my back for every nutter, pill popper, and drunk in the vicinity. I will no longer do that sort of photography because I am no longer willing to chance the risks, my M8 is part of a downsizing strategy for safer photography. If you are still willing to do slow tripod/view-camera work on the streets, you are already well versed in survival tactics and have probably received advice here from some who are less street savvy than yourself. You aren't likely to be the sort of traveller who loudly announces their presence with a ten gallon hat, stars and stripes shirt, and those strange shorts that only Americans with big wallets in the their back pockets wear.

 

Use the local knowledge that the smart natives use, be discreet because that will give you better pictures, and fear is your enemy. You'll be fine.

 

Have an enjoyable trip.

 

................Chris

[plasticman]

Just a note to say that I've never had any problem whatsoever with any of the supposed pickpockets, muggers, bag-snatchers or Leica-junkies who apparently lurk round every corner in Europe...

 

HOWEVER, just to help with my effort to avoid the "mug me" label that so many tourists have tatooed on their foreheads, I've gone one step further with my camera-bag...

 

I recently bought an Artisan&Artist 7100 bag, and fully intend to use it when travelling locally and taking my car, but I decided it still had too much of the "this bag contains a valuable camera"-look to it.

So I bought a Muji canvas bag which exactly fits the same internal padding from the A&A, and I'm currently carrying it around in a concerted effort to make it look damaged, old, dirty, so that in no uncertain terms it states: "absolutely nothing of value in this bag - move along to the guy carrying the bag that says Domke/Bellingham etc..."

[wparsonsgisnet]

Well, I was doing ok till Imants brought up Michigan and now I'm looking over my shoulder all day.

 

And these cracks about the U.S. -- Geez Louise, don't you guys know we've exported all our violence to other places in the world?

 

In general, I use unmarked bags and backpacks to transport camera equipment. Ain't life fun?

[ChrisC]

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J....... a concerted effort to make it look damaged, old, dirty, so that in no uncertain terms it states: "absolutely nothing of value in this bag - move along to the guy carrying the bag that says Domke/Bellingham etc..."

 

Mani - Good, 'old school' thinking, along with taping up insignias and red dots. The first thing I did with my camera was tightly wrap string around the right hand side of the strap near the right lug [a technique called whipping], the string gives better grip, it looks amateurish and crappy. David Bailey used to carry his gear around in a beaten up sports bag. It makes sense to me.

 

................Chris

[Philinflash]

Theft is a problem everywhere. Pick-pockets and "steamers" work in many urban areas: New York, Mexico City, Santiago, Lisbon, Paris, Naples, Barcelona, I could go on.

 

I consider taping out the "M8" and red dot, as several have suggested, essential precautions; I don't know if it works but I feel better. Anyway, who needs to know?

 

Finally, there is insurance. I have insured as a rider to my homeowner's policy and that also gives me a bit of piece of mind. Don't forget, in many of the places you will be visiting your camera is worth more than most of the cars on the street and they will be insured.

[grober]

No dig intended, but if you are going to try to pass as a Canadian, speaking as a Canadian, it would be really appreciated if you would fit the role to the point of adopting Canadian political views of the world in discussions with others abroad. I am afraid that if enough Americans slap on Canadian flags, then after a while even Canadians won't be tolerated.

 

A fair point. My friends in Alberta and Manitoba are more conservative than I generally am but maybe with some time, we all could catch up with their more seasoned views.

 

Align with Ottawa? Why bother. The regional desire for years calls for the western parts of Canada and the NW of the USA to break free from both declining countries and form the long-desired, independent country of Cascadia. Makes sense if only from an economic point of view. Think on it: trees, Alaska seafood products, shale oil, closer affinity with China -- OK, even Bill Gates, Amazon.com and Boeing too -- makes Cascadia an instant winner, on an exports basis alone.

 

(What has this to do with M8 photography? Nothing.)

 

-g

[carstenw]

It sounds like an interesting idea in theory, but I doubt that the gun proponents in the States, who are at least as strong in the west as in the east, would be able to settle in under no-gun laws, which are a basic requirement for most Canadians. Culturally, and apart from gun ownership, the wests of Canada and the States are probably fairly compatible. Keep in mind that even crossing over to Alberta is equivalent to moving to the midwest, so you only get B.C.

[Stevez4]

Have you thought of travelling with only one or two lenses? One lens in your pocket, one on the M. Oh yes, and be advised that the subways in Rome pack people in like Sardines, and avoid nude beaches when carrying a camera bag.

[woodda]

If may say just use it do not worry. The worst that could happen is it gets stolen and you claim on the insurance. Obvioulsy take basic precautions for example have over arm or in hand rather than in full show on your chest. I have had one for 20 years never a problem I tend to leave them on trains instead by mistake. Once only

 

Regards

[carlos diaz]

The Barcelona dealer said it was Brazilian gangs and they were aged around 14 or 15 years, so below the age of criminal responsibility. Mind you everyone always says it is a different nationality or race who are the criminals. If they are different - they must be bad.

 

On a happier note could I recommend to visitors to Barcelona, the Barceloneta restaurant on the quayside of the old fishing harbour (l'Escar 22, Mols del Pescadors). Not cheap but wonderful seafood - need to book tel: 93 221 21 11.

 

Wilson

 

Hello Wilson, do you know the name and location of the restaurant that is known for having been a place where Picasso and other cubist artist once met? I am told the small cafe is quaint and worth the time and effort to find. We will be boarding the ship at port here to begin our cruise, so is it close by? Thanks

Carlos

[carlos diaz]

Carlos - I have done a lot of twilight view-camera work on the streets, and have a strong sense that such work puts a bulls-eye on my back for every nutter, pill popper, and drunk in the vicinity. I will no longer do that sort of photography because I am no longer willing to chance the risks, my M8 is part of a downsizing strategy for safer photography. If you are still willing to do slow tripod/view-camera work on the streets, you are already well versed in survival tactics and have probably received advice here from some who are less street savvy than yourself. You aren't likely to be the sort of traveller who loudly announces their presence with a ten gallon hat, stars and stripes shirt, and those strange shorts that only Americans with big wallets in the their back pockets wear.

 

Use the local knowledge that the smart natives use, be discreet because that will give you better pictures, and fear is your enemy. You'll be fine.

 

Have an enjoyable trip.

 

................Chris

Chris, thank you very much for your response. Your words of advice and observations support my instincts that I am indeed prepared for this trip. One who has worked in the streets the way you and I have, know with great certainty that you can never let down your guard, weather at home or abroad.

Carlos

[charlesphoto99]

I almost always have the camera in hand and strap wrapped around my wrist. That way one has a good grip on the camera and is also always ready to take a picture.

 

If the camera is in the bag, then sling the bag over the opposite shoulder and grip the strap. Just make it a simple habit, not some sort of white knuckle paranoia thing. Use a casual bag like the aritst and artisans - nothing Tamrac etc. Dress like the locals not like a tourist (ie dress nicely and not like a typical American!). Act like you know what you're doing and know where you're going - even if you don't. Thieves always prey on the weak and if you act like a stumblebum tourist then you're more likely a target.

 

All pretty basic stuff. Most important thing is to enjoy yourself. I nearly lost my life to thieves when I was 20 in the Bois de Boulogne (it was a very narrow escape) but in 23 years of world travelling since then no problems except a light meter probably stolen by kids in Morocco (I left the cord dangling out of my pocket. Ooops.)